Although this request has an immediate deadline, I know many among our readership should be able to meet it.

After all, doesn’t each of us know a wonderful educator?

Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education program director Dolly Sullivan of Bucksport asked that I help her “get the word out that we are seeking nomination for the Unum Educator Hall of Fame.”

Nominations, however must be postmarked by Friday, Dec. 5.

Forms can be downloaded at www.mainecee.org; requested by e-mailing mcee99@aol.com or salpren@unum.com, or by calling Sullivan at 469-3231 or Steve Alpren at 575-6091.

According to information provided, Unum, the Portland Pirates and MCEE will hold the fourth annual Maine Educators Hall of Fame at a Pirates game Jan. 23.

Two quality educators in kindergarten-grade four, grades five-eight and grades nine-12 will be selected. Each will receive a personal check for $500 and other gifts and can participate in Unum’s on-ice ceremony.

If you know a teacher, administrator or guidance person of whom you are especially proud, nominate him or her today.

Anne Russenberger-Keefe reports the Dickens Christmas at Woodlawn Open House is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Woodlawn, Route 172, Ellsworth.

Tickets are $15 for members; $20 for nonmembers. For reservations, call 667-8671 or e-mail events@woodlawnmuseum.org.

For more information, visit www.woodlawnmuseum.org.

Games, a reindeer craft project, stories and refreshments are part of the Children’s Polar Express Pajama Party, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Pittsfield Public Library.

Lyn Smith invites youngsters to “pull on your pajamas and join the fun!”

Jo Andrews e-mailed that Bucks Harbor Market is sponsoring a book talk with Sargentville author Mary Duncan, 4 to 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 5, at the South Brooksville market. Duncan will discuss and sign her new book, “Sightless,” the second in the “Eyes of Garnet” trilogy.

The University of Maine reports its 2008 holiday tree sale to benefit forestry and wildlife student scholarships will be held 3 p.m. to dark Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 8-11; noon to sunset Dec. 5 and Dec. 12; and 9 a.m. to dark Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14, in front of the Nutting Hall Courtyard on the Orono campus.

Prices range from $16 to $36. Proceeds benefit summer field camp training programs.

For information, call Louis Morin at 581-2854.

Children can visit Santa Claus and decorate Christmas cookies at the Christmas tree lighting sponsored by the Penobscot Historical Society.

Jerrie Parsons reports the event, with music and refreshments, is 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Penobscot Town Hall, Route 175.

Mary Bird of Page Farm and Home Museum invites you to an old-fashioned holiday party, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the museum at the University of Maine in Orono.

Admission is by donation. You can create ornaments to take home or hang on the museum tree, enjoy carols and holiday treats and visit with Santa.

Karen Reynolds reminds you Hampden Highlands United Methodist Church will welcome Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Reeds Brook Middle School, Hampden.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for students and seniors. Advance tickets are available by calling Chris Henderson, 862-5506.

Proceeds benefit the Help for Hampden Fund for emergency fuel assistance.

Church clerk Pam Levesque invites you to two free Christmas concerts “featuring five choirs, instrumentals and more” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at First Baptist Church, 56 Center St., Bangor.

Donations will help with church winter heating expenses. Refreshments will be served after the Sunday concert. Street and city lot parking is available. For more information or directions, call 945-9694 or visit www.fbcbangor.org.

Susan Darling e-mailed that P.B. ‘n J will present its Christmas musical, “Candy Cane Lane,” written by Celeste Clydesdale and arranged by David Clydesdale, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Corinth United Methodist Church, 275 Main St.

Puppets Believing in Jesus youth ministry directors Patti Rollins and Chrissy Bean invite you to attend either performance and note the Saturday performance “will be in support of Manna Ministries” of Bangor.

The Holly Berry Fair will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Trinitarian Congregational Parish on Main Street in Castine, reports Gene Bland.

Sponsored by the Dr. Mary Cushman Circle, everything from dried flowers and herbs to jewelry, fruitcake and items from the H.O.M.E. gift shop will be available.

Beneficiaries include H.O.M.E. of Orland, Hospice of Hancock County, the Maine Sea Coast Mission and Habitat for Humanity.

Santa Claus, crafters, a wide range of Maine products, artwork and much more will be offered at the Down East Community Hospital Auxiliary Christmas Fair, reports Ruth Leubecker.

That event is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Rose Gaffney Elementary School in Machias.

During the Blue Hill Chamber of Commerce Night of Lights, Marjorie Longwood and members of Blue Hill Historical Society invite you to visit historic Holt House, 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, on Water Street.

Along with refreshments that include gingerbread cookies by Jeannette Gray, you can see the tree with decorations designed by the late Connie Bridges.

To attend a BHHS wine tasting, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Holt House, make reservations with call Jan Crofoot, 374-3277, by Saturday, Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $30 each.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; javerill@bangordailynews.net; 990-8288.